How Can I Replace My Lost Social Security Card?
Question: I’m 17 and eager to start my first job, but my mother misplaced my Social Security card. How can I get another?
Answer: If you know your Social Security number, you may not need to obtain a replacement card to obtain employment.
But if you do need the card, you can get a replacement by following the steps below.
There is no charge, but you are limited to three per calendar year and 10 replacement cards during your lifetime.
You will need to:
■ Show the required documents. Different documents are needed depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. Go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber to find out what documents you will have to show.
■ Fill out and print an application for a Social Security card; and
■ Take or mail your application and original or certified copies of the original documents to your local Social Security office.
For more information, read the publication Your Social Security Number and Card at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs .
Q: What types of retirement planning tools does Social Security offer?
A: Social Security’s Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law.
It also points out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. At http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2 you can:
■ Find your retirement age.
■ Estimate your life expectancy.
■ Estimate your retirement benefits.
■ Use other benefit calculators to test different retirement ages or future earnings amounts.
■ Learn how certain types of earnings and pensions can affect your benefits.
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This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov.
